Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake Review for PlayStation Portable (PSP)

System: PSP	Review Rating Legend
Dev: SuperVillain Studios / Titan Studios	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: SONY	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: May 4, 2010	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-8	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The need to play this game as a multiplayer title becomes more apparent as you dive into the single-player offering. Though the story mode has been beefed up compared to the PS3's, it still isn't particularly enjoyable. Truly, the story mode in Fistful of Cake is little more than a glorified tutorial. Faring somewhat better, you can play the Gladiate mode, which allows you to take on wave after wave of enemies with any one of the five class types. This is an arcade experience that's fun for testing your own abilities and mastery of each role but loses its luster quickly. Lastly, and probably the best of all the single-player options, you can setup mock multiplayer battles in any of the eight gameplay types against AI-controlled combatants. Of course, beating up on the CPU is only marginally better than, say, playing chess against yourself; this game screams for human competitors.

Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake screenshot

Unlike the original, Fistful of Cake only allows for eight players to join in on multiplayer action. While this seems like a paltry amount, it's probably all that was logistically possible. As it is, connecting to eight players is often difficult, and ending the game with eight players is even less likely. Again, not a lot of people have the time, patience, or wherewithal to wage hour-long battles via their PSP without their battery dropping out, losing their connection, or just getting fed up.

Moreover, because the game is so dependent upon teamwork, it's imperative that you get a nice mix of roles and storm objectives together. However, because there is no voice chat support, getting people to work in unison is extremely challenging, making games take even longer than they should. The dev team did add a "follow me" command to the controls, but only AI-controlled teammates seem to pay attention to the exclamation point above your head and follow you.

On the bright side, Fistful of Cake does feature 17 varied maps that change up strategy significantly and are very attractive. In fact, the entire game is very good looking. Really, nothing is lost in translation, as the PSP game is every bit as visually appealing as that of the PS3. Additionally, the funny sound effects and the whimsical, medieval/fantasy score come through your headset crisply and work to great effect.

Despite the game's flaws, Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake is a keeper. I know I've been down on the game, pointing out a lot of serious flaws, but, after all, I still had a lot of fun with the game. If you're willing to plug into the wall, be close to a Wi-Fi hotspot, and have the time and patience to play through a multiplayer session, there is still a lot to love.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Editor / News Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.5

Graphics
This is a beautiful PSP game that, because of the cartoon-like visuals, is actually the PS3 version's equal.

4.0

Control
The PSP has never been a comfortable way to game, but the simplicity of the game mechanics here lend themselves nicely to the straightforward scheme.

4.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The mirthful sound effects are satisfying and will bring a smile to your face. The music is of high quality as well.

3.5

Play Value
The single-player offerings are playable in a pinch, but this game is really all about multiplayer action. Unfortunately, sessions are too long and connections can often be an issue.

3.6

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Six new levels for PSP plus all of the originals - Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake adds six new battlefields to the franchise, including environments like Forest, Canyon, and Volcano.

Extended Single-player campaign - Play through the extended Story Mode chapters on the go to learn the dramatic tale of the beloved fat princesses.

Online Multiplayer - Go head-to-head with up to 8 players via Ad Hoc (nearby) or Infrastructure (Internet connection) Mode.

New Multiplayer game modes - New for Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake, select from four additional multiplayer game modes, including Grim Reaper, Dilapidated, Demolition, and Jailbreak.